Gerrit Cole's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

The New York Yankees and right-hander Gerrit Cole agreed on Monday to add a fifth year and $36 million after Cole opted out of his four-year, $144 million contract over the weekend. With the Yankees essentially voiding Cole's opt-out decision, the 34-year-old will now be owed $180 million through the 2029 season. The former first overall pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates out of UCLA won the American League Cy Young award in 2023 but had the start of his 2024 campaign delayed by right-elbow issues. Cole finished with an 8-5 record, 3.41 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 99:29 K:BB in 95 innings over his 17 regular-season starts. Although he looked good in the playoffs, Cole has had a concerning trend of his strikeout rate falling for the third straight year to 25.4% in 2024. Still, as long as he's healthy heading into the start of next season, he should be a No. 1 fantasy starter.

New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole exercised his player option and opted out of his contract with New York on Saturday. The move had been expected and shouldn't be considered a shock by any means. The Yankees have the option to void his opt out by adding one year and $36 million to the remaining four years and $144 million Cole has on his contract. If the Yankees do not void the opt out then Cole will become a free agent. The Yankees' ace originally signed a nine year, $324 million contract in 2020 and posted a 3.12 ERA in 759 innings as a Yankee. If he hits the open market the 34-year-old will likely be the top pitcher available. Dynasty managers shouldn't stress much about Cole's future as the former Cy Young award winner is likely to continue to produce regardless of where he ends up.

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that right-hander Gerrit Cole will start Game 1 of the World Series on Friday against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Cole is expected to be followed in the rotation by left-hander Carlos Rodon in Game 2 on Saturday, right-hander Clarke Schmidt in Game 3 on Monday in the Bronx and right-hander Luis Gil in Game 4 on Tuesday. Cole, who got a late start in 2024 due to an injury and made only 17 starts during the regular season, has allowed seven runs (six earned) on 19 hits (one homer) while walking six and striking out 12 in three playoff starts (16 1/3 innings) this October. The 2023 American League Cy Young winner hasn't been all that dominant in the postseason this year and will face one of the best offenses in baseball in Game 1 of the World Series.